Dear Sisters and Brothers in the Lord:
TO ALL PRIESTS AND RELIGIOUS WORKING IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF LAGOS, AND THE LAY FAITHFUL;
1. THE MONTH OF MARCH: Welcome to the month of March, 2022, a month that leads us into the special season of Lent, a season in which we are called to profound call to repentance and deepen our relationship with God through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. This month presents us with this important feast day of the Annunciation of the Lord (25th March).
2. A FEW THOUGHTS ON LENT: As we approach the season of lent, may I remind all of the following regarding the season:
a. Abstinence: All the faithful who have reached 14 years of age and above are required to abstain totally from meat or favorite dish or drink on Ash Wednesday (March 2) and Good Friday (April 19) and all the Fridays of Lent.
b. Fasting: All the faithful between the ages of 18 and 60 years are obliged to fast. In practice, fasting involves limiting oneself to a single full meal or two smaller meals a day. Those who are sick, pregnant or nursing or whose health would adversely be affected by fasting should not consider themselves bound by this norm.
c. Parents and teachers are responsible for helping young persons, who are not bound by the norms regarding fasting and abstinence to recognize what constitutes a genuine sense of penance and self-denial. Everyone is required to also to pray fervently for the catechumens who will receive the Sacraments of Initiation during this period.
Please find below some of the other ways we can observe this period of Lent so as to benefit from the graces of the season:
i. Avoid Sin: Keep yourself away from all occasions that could lead to sin. Repent and return to God by a good sacramental confession and do appropriate penance if you fall into sin.
ii. Practice self-control; be more generous especially in giving to the poor and needy and in contributing to the works of the church, remission of debts and payment of just wages.
iii. Pursue and achieve reconciliation with anyone with whom you are not at peace.
iv. Read the Scriptures in order to deepen your intimacy with God, spread the kingdom of Christ and help others to know and return to Christ.
v. Pray before the Blessed Sacrament, go to Mass often, if possible, daily.
vi. Be regular at the stations of the cross on Wednesdays and Fridays and do it every day if you can.
vii. Take part in the Lenten programmes and retreats that will be organised in your parish. Take full part in the Holy week ceremonies.
viii. Pray your Rosary daily.
Note: Bear in mind that all other Fridays of the year remain Days of penance in prayerful remembrance of the passion of Jesus Christ.
3. LENTEN REFLECTIONS BY THE ARCHBISHOP: As has been the case in the last few years, theArchbishop, Alfred Adewale Martins will be offering daily lenten reflections during the whole season. The reflections will be transmitted as follows:
NTA CHANNEL 10: DSTV Channel 369 @ 6:55pm
LUMEN CHRISTI: DSTV Channel 350 @ 1:00pm & 9:15pm
RADIO: Metro 97.7FM @ 5:55am & 9:15pm
All our Social Media Platforms: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram: Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos. Everyone is encouraged to tune in and listen to the reflections as we pray that the Word of God will nourish our souls. Amen.
4. ARCHBISHOP JOHN KWAO AMUSU AGGEY 50TH MEMORIAL ANNIVERSARY ACTIVITIES: The second Archbishop of Lagos died 50years ago on 13th March 1972. A number of activities have been lined up in his memory and in celebration of his years of service, first as Auxiliary Bishop and later as the Archbishop of Lagos. The following activities, among others have been scheduled in conjunction with the Archbishop J.K.A. Aggey Foundation, a foundation which was established in his memory.
Thurs., August 4th, 2022- Remembrance of the 65th anniversary of the Episcopal Ordination of Archbishop Aggey during the Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins’ celebration of the 10th Anniversary of his installation at Holy Cross Cathedral at 12 noon.
Wed., September 14th, 2022 (Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross)- 50th Memorial Anniversary Mass at Holy Cross Cathedral. Reception and other activities at OLPH Hall.
5. JDPC LENTEN CAMPAIGN 2022: The JDPC Lenten Campaign is an annual programme of the CBCN, and is implemented by each Arch/Diocese during the period of Lent. To this effect there will be a Lenten Campaign Collection taken up in all Parishes on the Fourth Sunday of Lent – 27th March, 2022 at all Masses. Proceeds should be paid into; Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Union Bank, 0000550113 on or before 1st May, 2022. Parish Priests and Priests-in-Charge should give this announcement the publicity it deserves.